‘My heart will be home in Athlone’ says Amy in Kansas
AMY GILLIGAN-DYE
For the last year and a half, Athlone woman Amy Gilligan has been living in the United States with her husband, Missouri native Mikel Dye. The couple bought a house in Kansas City, Kansas, in February and are spending their first Christmas in their new home.
How did your move to the US come about, and how have you found the adjustment to living there?
It was an unexpected move! I was singing on a karaoke app called Smule, where you can sing karaoke with people from all over the world. I ended up bonding with a man over Emo songs, as both of us were going through break-ups. We became friends, ended up meeting in person after some time, and now we have been married for three years!
I am adjusting well to life here. I was able to continue my employment with the company I worked for back home for five years. I am a fully remote worker, which gives me a great work-life balance. My cat, Koneko, also made the trip to the US. She flew in the cabin with me and all - no way was I leaving her behind! She's adjusting fantastically. One of the things here that I still can't wrap my head around are the drive-through bank machines!
What are the best and worst things about living in the United States?
The best thing about living in the US is the kindness from strangers. You often see a lot of negativity on social media about things that happen here, which overshadows all the good. Kansas City also has very deep Irish roots, so being here feels like home. I'm blessed to have met so many amazing people here, like the folks in the Kansas City St Andrew Pipes and Drums Band, who are teaching me how to play the bagpipes!
The worst things are probably the drivers! And, secondly, the adverse weather, to which I'm still adjusting. After all, Kansas is known as Tornado Alley!
What are your plans for Christmas Day this year?
I will be cooking the typical Irish Christmas dinner. I found a market in Kansas City called Browne's Irish Marketplace, and they sell all the good stuff - even black and white pudding, proper rashers, and McCambridge's brown bread.
Are there any American traditions you'll get to experience?
Visiting the Plaza in Kansas City. The Plaza lights are a classic Kansas City tradition.
What are some of the things you miss about Christmas in Ireland?
I will miss a lot of things, like going home to my mother's for the Christmas break, seeing my nieces and nephew, and my friends' children, excited about what Santa brought. Going to my granny and grandad's house on Christmas evening, and connecting with cousins, aunties, uncles, and my best friends.
Is there any message you would like to send to your friends or family reading this?
To my mother Jackie and step-father Jimmy, my sisters Dawn and Shauna, their partners Robbie and Cian, and my nieces and nephew, I love you all so much and I will miss you terribly on Christmas Day.
Since the passing of my Dad, Kevin Gilligan, Christmas has been a little harder for us as a family. I would ask anyone who knew him to light a candle and 'leave a light on' for him. No matter the distance, or the time that passes, my heart will always be at home in Athlone!
Also, a shout out to Ashling Byrne, Chloe Dowling, Karen Masters, Joanne Kearney, and Rebecca McGrath for putting up with me, even at a distance! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Although I am not home to celebrate, we will have some ugly jumper Zooms and plenty of virtual laughs! I love you all so much and can't wait to be back in the motherland for a visit.
Until then, may the spice bags be plentiful, may the chicken fillet rolls be fresh, and may the sausage rolls be the perfect amount of flakey!